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The late Bob Newhart’s biggest movie roles were these Disney animated classics

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The late Bob Newhart's biggest movie roles were these Disney animated classics

As a devoted fan of Bob Newhart’s illustrious career, I can’t help but be in awe of his contributions to two underappreciated Disney animated films: “The Rescuers” and its sequel, “Rescuers Down Under.” While most people associate Newhart with his iconic TV roles on shows like “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart,” his impact on these Disney gems is nothing short of extraordinary.

When a legendary figure passes away, people often reflect on and value the body of work they left behind. Surprisingly, among the numerous accolades for the late, brilliant Bob Newhart, there are two Disney animated films that arguably don’t receive enough recognition.

Bob Newhart is well-known for his lengthy and successful television career. He started out performing comedy in clubs and appearing on various talk shows, where his unique deadpan delivery made his jokes even funnier. In the 1970s, Newhart achieved even greater success with his own show, “The Bob Newhart Show,” which ran for six seasons and was a major television comedy hit. Later in 1982, he starred in another popular series called “Newhart.” The finale of this show, which aired in 1990, is often considered one of the best TV show endings of all time.

Newhart boasted an extended TV career with multiple sitcoms and various guest appearances. It came as a shock that, despite this rich history, he had received just one Emmy Award – for a guest part on “The Big Bang Theory.” He later returned to this role in the spin-off “Young Sheldon,” marking his final appearance on television.

In movies, Newhart often played delightful secondary parts instead of being the leading man, such as in “In and Out” and the beloved holiday film “Elf.” Nevertheless, his most significant film roles deviated from live-action entirely, featuring him in Disney productions that became unexpected hits.

The Rescuers was one of the best Disney movies of its era

During the 1970s, Disney faced challenging times. The cultural shift seemed to pass Disney by, and animation took a hit as classic Disney animators retired. This might explain why “The Rescuers” didn’t receive much attention.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: In the game I’m playing, I come across the story of a clever girl named Penny, who dwells in Louisiana. She stumbles upon a valuable diamond and soon finds herself pursued by Madame Medusa, an evil woman with a twisted mind. Think of her as a less refined version of Cruella De Vil. One day, Penny sends out a plea for help in a bottle, which eventually washes up on the shores of New York City. To the rescue comes the Rescue Aid Society, an extraordinary band of talking mice known for their heroic deeds and aid to children in need.

Following closely behind are Miss Bianca, played by Eva Gabor (dispatched next), and her unexpected partner, Bernard, who is not an agent but rather a bashful janitor. Together, they set off on the albatross named Orville in an attempt to rescue Penny.

In simpler terms, this movie’s animation surpasses that of other Disney productions from the same era, despite some limitations. The swamp sequences are impressively done, and Penny is a strong female lead. Newhart’s voice acting perfectly suits Bernard, who is convincingly flustered and out of his depth most of the time. However, when faced with real danger, he manages to rise to the occasion. Newhart’s performance was spot-on for the character, especially in his witty exchanges with Gabor, whose rich accent brings Bianca to life.

The film achieved significant success, earning $48 million in box office revenue from a production budget of only $7.5 million. This was quite an accomplishment, considering it was released in 1977 – the year of groundbreaking films like “Star Wars” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Critics praised the movie, and its financial success provided Disney with a much-needed boost. At the time, sequels to animated productions were uncommon, so it was assumed that would be the end of the story. However, this proved to be an unexpected turn of events.

Rescuers Down Under needs more love

In the 1980s, when Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg assumed control of Disney, they aimed to revive the animated division’s former brilliance. They examined “The Rescuers,” which had garnered success through multiple theatrical releases and strong home video sales. Recognizing potential for a sequel due to the surge in popularity of Australia following “Crocodile Dundee,” they gave the green light for its production.

In the heart of Australia, I found myself drawn to the tale of “Rescuers Down Under.” I was an ordinary boy, living as an orphan, when my life took an extraordinary turn. One day, I made friends with a magnificent golden eagle named Marahute. But our idyllic bond was threatened when the cruel hunter McLeach snatched him away. Desperate to save my friend, I reached out to the Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for help.

The duo acquire a new albatross named Orville, represented by John Candy as Orville’s brother. In Australia, they encounter the local mouse Jake (Tristan Rogers), who contrasts greatly with Bernard: handsome, daring, athletic, and agile. As a result, Jake forms a bond with Bianca, leaving Bernard feeling excluded.

An alternate expression for the given text could be: With Bernard now an established agent, yet still fearful of flying and envious of Jake’s new role, Newhart shines in this turn. His portrayal of Bernard’s transformation from a timid character to a brave hero is convincing, especially during an impressive fight scene against local creatures.

The film showcases stunning animation, among the earliest to incorporate computer graphics, and the beautiful Australian landscapes enhance the visual experience. Additionally, there’s an exhilarating scene on a tractor and Scott delivers a convincing performance as the antagonist. This production served as a reminder of Disney animation’s past enchantment.

Unfortunately, despite positive critic reception, the movie earned just $47 million at the box office. Its release coincided with “Home Alone,” which became a massive hit, overshadowing this film and making it largely overlooked during that time. However, its appeal has grown since then.

Instead of just the engaging tales and cartoons, what makes it worthwhile to tune in is Newhart’s performance. It’s challenging to imagine anyone else effectively portraying Bernard, as Newhart brings a distinct blend of age, anxiety, optimism, and dry humor that perfectly suits the character. The way he transforms into a hero is captivating, and his romance with Gabor is executed skillfully. This is essentially the leading man part Newhart was able to secure.

I’m a big fan of Newhart’s work on TV, but I believe his film performances are also worth checking out. If you haven’t heard his best ones yet, give them a listen!

The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under streaming on Disney+.

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2024-07-22 23:57

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